Roland ‘Miles’ MacDonald of Guysborough, formerly of Sydney, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022 at the age of 74. 

Dad will be fondly remembered as a man of great character, with an immense devotion to his family.  He will also be remembered as a faithful community member for forty-seven plus years, for his thirty-two years of dedicated service as an educator in Guysborough’s schools, and his seven years on Guysborough Municipal Council, where he met and served many kind people, and several seniors who he thoroughly enjoyed and continued to contact.  Dad was a very strong advocate for both Chedabucto Performance Place, acting as Chairperson for twelve years and later as a business contact of the theatre.  He was a firm believer and proponent in what became Guysborough’s Chedabucto Community Centre (CLC). Dad loved nothing better than meeting up with former students, hearing what they have been doing since they last spoke, and sharing old stories with them. Besides leaving a legacy as a devoted husband and father, he was also a hard working, generous, compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humour.

Dad spent much of his earlier years in hockey rinks, golf courses, and on ball fields, and was scouted twice for the Boston Bruins. He passed on his love of hockey, golf, softball and other sports to his children, and was often one of the coaches involved. Mom and Dad made many wonderful friends as a result of their children’s activities and sports, and the many fun road trips and memories made as a result. So many fun stories, not to be mentioned here. I don’t think there is a hockey rink, ball field or golf course in NS where Dad didn’t spend time. Dad loved to be in attendance to see his children in everything they were involved. Even after our family was grown, he still enjoyed watching local students in their activities and always took an honest interest in them. He loved the many years of Guysborough Come Week activities where he would meet up and chat with former students, hockey and ball players. 

Miles was born in Sydney the second of two children born to the late Roland and Mary (Miles) MacDonald. Left to mourn are his wife of 54 years, Donna (Halliday); daughter, Lori, The Woodlands, Texas; sons, Aaron, Halifax; and Joel (Michelle), New Westminster, BC; as well as by five grandchildren, Ellie, Brad and Kate Salsman, Texas, and Callum and Chloe MacDonald, New Westminster, all whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his niece, Keri MacAskill, Sydney; brother-in-law, Bob Halliday (Cathy), Dartmouth; and sister-in-law, Debbie Halliday Denny (Nick), Sydney, who was like his little sister since she was ten years old. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Nancy; and brother-in-law, Beaver (John) MacAskill. 

There will be no wake or church service, as requested by Dad, but we feel a reception/celebration of life service in the Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre, Guysborough.…a place so important to Dad…seems most fitting. This will take place on Saturday, November 19th at 11 a.m.

A private burial will be held in Hardwood Hill Cemetery, Sydney, at a later date. Family flowers only, please.  Donations in his memory can be made to GOALS, Guysborough, Guysborough Food Bank, or the Breakfast Program at Chedabucto Elementary School.

Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com